PET Device Scattered Coincidence Position Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PET devices face challenges in accurately estimating gamma ray generation positions with high sensitivity and speed, often requiring lengthy calculations and eliminating scattered coincidences as noise, which hampers high-definition image capture.

Innovation Solution

A method and PET device that utilize a pair of detectors to estimate gamma ray incidence directions, determine intersection points between Compton cones and scattering surfaces, and calculate scattered coincidence lines using TOF information, allowing for the direct estimation of gamma ray generation positions without complex Monte Carlo simulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If scattered coincidences are eliminated as noise, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to loss of useful data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegamma ray generation position estimation accuracyVSAvoidimage capture speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts scattered coincidences, which were traditionally treated as harmful noise, into beneficial data sources. By applying Compton scattering kinematics to analyze the scattering surface and intersection points, the system extracts valid gamma ray generation position information from scattered coincidences, thereby improving image capture speed without sacrificing measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate gamma ray generation position, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to lengthy calculations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegamma ray generation position estimation accuracyVSAvoidcalculation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential geometric relationships from the complex Monte Carlo simulation framework. By identifying and utilizing the intersection point between the scattering surface and Compton cones, the system derives a simplified analytical solution that maintains measurement precision while eliminating time-consuming iterative calculations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the computational mechanics of Monte Carlo simulation with a geometric-mathematical approach. By using Compton scattering kinematics to define scattering surfaces and calculating intersection points analytically, the system substitutes lengthy numerical simulations with efficient geometric computations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances detector sensitivity and enables high-definition image capture in a shorter time by effectively utilizing scattered coincidences and eliminating unnecessary noise, improving position resolution and time resolution.

Implementation Method 1

estimating incidence directions of gamma rays detected by the pair of detectors as first and second Compton cones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompton scattering: Compton Scattering

Implementation Method 2

acquiring a gamma ray generation position on the basis of the measurement line of the scattered coincidence and TOF information of the gamma rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS10895651B2PET device and method of acquiring gamma ray generation position using scattered coincidence with PET device

Publication Date: 2021.01.19 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK

AI summary

A PET device includes detectors including detector signal processing units and a data processing circuit configured to acquire a gamma ray generation position. The detector signal processing unit includes a Compton cone estimating unit configured to estimate incidence directions of gamma rays detected by a pair of detectors as a first and second Compton cones. The data processing unit includes: a coincidence acquiring unit; a scattering surface estimating unit; an intersection line determining unit; an intersection point determining unit; and a gamma ray generation position.